On 6 May 2013, Contact Energy Limited (Contact) submitted a Vector Transmission Code (VTC) Change Request proposing that change requests must relate only to a single issue or related series of issues. The Change Request was supported by all shippers except one who abstained from responding. Vector Limited (Vector) did not consent to the Change Request.
On 31 May 2013, Contact notified Gas Industry Co that it is appealing Vector's decision not to consent to the Change Request appeal.
Contact referred to two sections of the VTC as the grounds for its appeal. Ground one referred to section 25.6(a) which provides for appeal by a shipper who considers Vector has invalidly withheld consent. Ground two referred to section 25.6(c) which provides for appeal by a shipper who did consent, where the relevant change was not made.
Gas Industry Co has a role under section 25 of the Vector Transmission Code (VTC) considering appeals in relation to change requests.
Gas Industry Co decided to make separate recommendations for each of Contact's grounds of appeal and that the basis for each recommendation would differ reflecting the different basis of each appeal ground. Given this, Gas Industry Co considered ground one first and undertook a legal interpretation exercise to determine whether Vector reasonably withheld consent.
The Draft Recommendation was that Vector had demonstrated a reasonable ground for withholding consent, and that Contact's appeal under section 25.6(a) failed.
Further information can be found in the following documents: